We Want Mommy Not You Daddy (Cedar) novel Chapter 91

hapter 91

Cedar’s POV

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I stepped through the gleaming doors of an upscale boutique on Michigan Avenue, the unfamiliar scent of luxury and perfume greeting me. My heart fluttered with a mix of anxiety and anticipation. The Lakefront Tower design exhibition was only two days away, and I still hadn’t found

the perfect outfit for the opening night.

This wasn’t the kind of place I’d normally shop–these luxury boutiques had always felt like foreign territory to me. But with my new salary, I could finally afford to splurge a little. Besides, if I was going to be presenting alongside Mr. Sterling at the exhibition, I needed to look the part. I rationalized the expense by telling myself I’d wear it to future events too. One investment piece for my professional wardrobe.

After spending forty minutes sorting through designer racks, I settled on a sleek charcoal gray dress with subtle detailing around the neckline- professional enough for a corporate event but with just enough flair to stand out. As the sales associate wrapped up my purchase, a flash of

movement caught my eye.

In the children’s section, partially hidden by a display of haute couture, stood a small figure in a pale pink tutu. Her graceful posture immediately captured my attention–back perfectly straight, chin slightly elevated, arms positioned with precision that belied her age.

I recognized her immediately. The little girl from Navy Pier–Aria.

She was adjusting the tulle of her performance tutu with meticulous care, her expression serious and focused. What struck me most wasn’t her technical precision, but the shadow of melancholy that seemed to hover around her. No six–year–old should look that somber, that burdened.

“Would you like to see how it looks in stage lighting? the boutique assistant was asking her. “The fitting room has special theatrical lights.

Aria nodded silently, her eyes downcast.

I glanced around, expecting to see that woman–Daisy–hovering nearby with her affected smile and watchful eyes. But there was no sign of her, just a suited man who appeared to be security standing at a respectful distance.

Something about the scene felt wrong. I found myself walking toward them before I’d made a conscious decision.

“Excuse me,” I said to the security guard, keeping my voice low. “Is she here alone? Where’s her guardian–Daisy, the woman who was with her

at Navy Pier?‘

The man stepped forward with a stern expression, positioning himself between me and Aria. “Excuse me, ma’am. I’m afraid I can’t allow strangers to approach Younger Miss.”

Before I could respond, Aria looked up from adjusting her tatu. Her eyes widened in recognition, and to everyone’s surprise–especially the guards–she quickly moved around him and came to stand directly in front of me, her small face tilted upward with unmistakable recognition.

The security guard appeared completely taken aback. “Miss Aria?” His voice held confusion and concern. Clearly, this wasn’t typical behavior for

her.

“We’ve met before, I explained gently, not wanting to create a scene. “At Hvy Pier a few weeks ago. 1 knelt down to her level. “Hello again,

Aria. That’s a beautiful tutu you’re trying on.”

She nodded, the ghost of a smile touching her lips.

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11 15 Mon, Feb 2

Chapter 91

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The guard looked between us, clearly unsure how to proceed. Arla a obvio comfort with me bad thrown him off script. 1… well, this is unusual. Miss Arta rarely approaches anyone.”

Where’s her guardian?‘ I asked, still troulded by the absence of supervising Ming Black, I believe?‘

He hesitated, then sighed, seeming to decide that since Arla trusted me, quick drink at the Bellevue Club, Naid she’d be back shortly. He checked

could speak freely: “Miss Black said she needed to step out for a

watch with a frown. “That was about an hour ago.”

My eyebrows shot up. An hour? She left a six year old child for an hour witle she went for cocktails?

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